LMSS is proud to announce our 2016 partnership with US Sailing’s REACH program. Not only does this program educate our sailors with STEM concepts, it highlights the importance of recycling, keeping our waters clean, and giving back to our community.

Over 700 sailors will be exposed to this curriculum this season. We can’t wait to get started!

We are proud to announce our latest addition to the LMSS fleet, the Hartley 12. This NEW training platform will provide a safe and fun introduction to sailing for our sailors ages 9-13. With new equipment, LMSS is adapting our Recreational Camp classes to better accommodate our beginning sailors. Starting this summer, LMSS will provide individual camps for the follow age groups; 7-9, 10-12, 13-16. We couldn’t be more thrilled!

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of one of our Lake Minnetonka Sailing School founders. Brad Robinson was instrumental in starting LMSS and worked tirelessly over the years to make sure that the school not only survived, but also thrived. Brad was an LMSS board member for over 40 years where he spent countless hours leading, volunteering, maintaining and problem solving for the Sailing School. A highly accomplished sailor as demonstrated by the many Inland and National Championship podiums, Brad was fierce and determined to find excellence both on and off the water. While we know Brad was certainly proud of his sailing accomplishments, nothing brought him more joy then seeing the hundreds of kids learn how to sail and compete at LMSS each year. Brad will be sorely missed, and our thoughts are with his wife Susana and the rest of his family.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Lafayette Club this Wednesday, October 28th from 5:30 – 7:30pm. A casual, “no tie” attire was requested by Brad.

We are proud to announce that WindRider is now supporting the Lake Minnetonka Sailing School! Head online today to purchase your replacement parts and accessories. 6% of your total sales will go directly back to the LMSS community by providing recreational and race scholarships.

Lake Minnetonka Sailing School, with support from Minnetonka Yacht Club is proud to host the USODA Midwest Championship, Labor Day Weekend, September 5 – 6, 2015 on Lake Minnetonka. We invite all Optimist sailors and families to enjoy great inland lake sailing as well as:

A block of rooms have been reserved at the Sheraton Minneapolis West. Reservations should be made by utilizing the reservation link or call 800-325-3535 and request the “USODA Midwest Championships” by August 4, 2015 to guarantee group rates. Rooms subject to availability.

Sheraton Minneapolis West
12201 Ridgedale Drive
Wayzata, MN 55305952.593.0000
Two-double beds or single king room: $109/night + charges and tax
Approximately 9 miles from LMSS; near a mall, grocery, Target and West Marine

ADULT & FAMILY

Jealous of your junior LMSS sailors having all the fun? Experience Lake Minnetonka sailing for yourself! Accompanied by an LMSS instructor, you and your closest friends will enjoy the thrill of sailboat racing as you compete in one of the Minnetonka Yacht Club (MYC) Northome Series events – held on Wednesday nights throughout the summer.

You and up to three of your guests (children are welcome) will rig and race an LMSS Sonar, with personal instruction every step of the way. Following the race, enjoy the included dinner and beverages at the popular MYC Grill & Chill.

Racing isn’t for you? Skip the competition and enjoy a relaxing and fun evening on the water while we provide instruction tailored specifically to your skill level.

Wednesday Evenings from 5-8PM, $300 per group

PRE-PRAM

4 Pre-Pram sessions have been added to the 2015 summer line up! Now you and your sailor can join LMSS on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 – 8pm!

OPTI BOOSTER

The Opti Booster class provides an opportunity for sailors with little or no experience to catch up and test the Learn to Race waters. These classes focus on the fundamentals covered in LMSS recreational programs, but in a condensed format designed to allow your sailor to comfortably transition into our Learn to Race program. A boat charter is included.

Last year was another fantastic season at LMSS. We welcomed new challenges, and seized opportunities to further our students’ education on the water. Highlights from 2014 include:

LMSS provided sailing access to over 750 students in a wide variety of programs. We engaged new sailors of all ages through our beginners classes, and trained our competitive sailors to help them achieve their goals as teams and as individuals.

Our sailors represented LMSS with distinction – qualifying for CHUBB U.S. Junior Championships, Youth Championships, placing in the top ten at ILYA Opti Inlands, qualifying for USODA Team Trials, and achieving a No. 1 Midwest high school team ranking.

We introduced two Sonar sailboats into our fleet in 2014. These boats allow us to introduce adults and future yacht club members to the sport, as well as to train LMSS youth for the Rose Cup – a youth match racing event – and the MISSA high school keelboat championship.

Growth and improvement are paramount to the achievement of our mission at LMSS. Some of the changes and new opportunities in store for the 2015 season include:

We have added an Opti Booster class to help less experienced 8-10 year olds transition successfully to singlehanded sailing.

Guest coaches will bring their unique knowledge of the sport to our race classes. These guests will include Olympic hopefuls, national and world champions, and other professional sailors.

LMSS has partnered with the Minnetonka Yacht Club to offer a fun and exciting opportunity for families and friends to race our LMSS Sonars – with help from an LMSS instructor – on Wednesday nights as part of the Club’s Northome Series.

On behalf of the entire LMSS team, we would like to thank you for supporting another great year of learning and competition as our sailors build lifelong skills, compete in a safe and positive environment, and create lasting relationships on and off the water.

We’ll see you soon on Lighthouse Island!

Jess Haverstock

Director

Our programs are made possible through the generous support of our community, volunteers, and donors. LMSS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which relies on your time and contributions to provide capital improvements. Help us keep our costs low and promote the sport of sailing by donating today!